Page 159 - Alternative Europe Eurotrash and Exploitation Cinema Since 1945

phenomenon outside the prevailing standards of genre, national sensibility, or even what constitutes
superlative work in the medium. Having concentrated on the films literary source with its own
colourful history, Jaeckin's film becomes both a product and expression of the long struggle
surrounding Marayat Rollet-Andriane's most famous heroine. Recognising the fantastic appeal of
Sylvia Kristel in the role adds fuel to the contention that not only is Emmanuelle a successful novel,
film and video series and cultural key note (in short an enterprise unto itself), she is the friendly
grandmother of contemporary adult entertainment.
Put in context opposite the hardcore American films of the early 1970s, Jay Cocks wrote in his
1975 Time review, 'it should be kept in mind, of course, that the well-lathered extremes of American
porn are banned in France. Without knowledge of Deep Throat, Emmanuelle might seem like pretty
hot stuff. This gives the film rather too much credit, however. Emmanuelle would have to go up
against something like The Greatest Story Ever Told before it could begin to look titillating.' 34
Its fundamentally different standard for on-screen erotica also means Jaeckin's picture was suitable
for a more mainstream audience. Yet both films, Emmanuelle and Deep Throat, did fantastic box
office for a modest investment, thereby supporting an obvious dichotomy. For hardcore enthusiasts
the point is made in wholly base, direct and relatively unproduced forms, distanced from any kind
of thoughtful spectatorship. Indeed, interactivity rather than contemplation is encouraged as a
sexual aid to some, as substitute fantasy for others and as a scandal in miniature for exploiting the
body's appetites for general consumption. Hardcore therefore equates to excess without reliance
on storytelling or aesthetic consideration, hence beauty and transcendence is not the point when
disposable experience is key.
For softcore the purpose is less severe. Suggestion is preferred to overwhelming sensations or a
one-dimensional, visceral tug. Within this softer method, sensuality is a curious condition along the
margins of mainstream narrative entertainment that benefits from the dominant technical tools and
storytelling structures, all to the point of capturing truth through sensual subjects instead of simply
discarding them as empty fantasia.
Where Emmanuelle remains pre-eminent is in the fact of its global popularity and celebration of
softcore experience. It earned a lot of money on both sides of the Atlantic and along the Pacific Rim,
and was seen by a lot of people making it a symbol of the early 1970s.
Arguing over the relative importance of any picture when compared to Jaeckin's is useful, but
does not take on board issues of artistic excellence. Such discussion is moot since Emmanuelle withers
under rigorous criticism without regard to context or its enterprising influence beyond the pages of
a single novel or feature film. More, its model of serialisation, first based on Arsan's work and later
metastasised across multiple sequels and the work of copycat filmmakers, has meant a long afterlife for
Emmanuelle, the wife of a French diplomat looking for good times in Bangkok.

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